Tai Chi Band's 40th Anniversary Concert Honors Late Gary Tong: 'A Permanent Place on Stage for Our Brother'
When you talk about legends of the Hong Kong music scene, the name Tai Chi always holds a special place. Formed four decades ago, these lads who grew up together have been tirelessly rehearsing for their upcoming Tai Chi Band 40th Anniversary Concert. But this time around, the concert is more than just a milestone; it's a tribute to a dear friend they've lost – because on that stage, they'll forever miss the quiet but irreplaceable figure behind the keyboard: Gary Tong.
The bond within Tai Chi is legendary in the industry for its strength. Gary's sudden passing last year truly shook them and all their fans to the core. After some time, the bandmates have gathered themselves, deciding to channel that grief into strength, and use the music they know best to "share the stage" with Gary once more.
Curated Setlist: Fulfilling a Bandmate's Wish with Deep Cuts
Planning for this concert, core members including Joey Tang, Patrick Lui, and Edde Sing got started early. Besides the guaranteed classics like "Red Sports Car" and "Crystal," they also intend to take fans back to their old band rehearsal studio, digging out some cherished hidden gems they haven't performed in ages. According to insiders, Patrick mentioned during rehearsals that Gary often talked about wanting to perform some of their lesser-known B-sides from back in the day. He felt those tracks truly represented Tai Chi's musical exploration. "He said songs like 'After the Cold Wind' and 'Don't Want to Love Foolishly' – maybe fans today wouldn't know them, but he really missed the sentiment behind them." So for this concert, they've specifically included these songs in the setlist, as a final gift to Gary, and to fulfil his wish.
"There Will Always Be a Place for Him on Stage"
Regarding the stage design, someone involved in production revealed that Joey Tang emotionally stated that although Gary can't be there in person, they will definitely keep a spot for him on stage. "Maybe we'll place his favourite keyboard there, or use projections, so he can jam with us. This show will always be about the seven members of Tai Chi; his place is forever reserved."
Long-time friends who've collaborated extensively with Tai Chi, such as Paul Wong and the recently active group OneWeekStAr, are also likely to appear as guest performers. A close associate recalls Paul mentioning how they used to mess around backstage, with Gary always quietly smiling as he watched everyone have fun, reminiscing about the friendship forged in those underground band rooms.
Concert Highlights at a Glance:
- Tribute Segment: Featuring several non-hit songs Gary loved, including deep cuts like "Never Say Goodbye Again".
- Star Guests: Friends like Paul Wong and OneWeekStAr will join, sharing anecdotes and memories of Gary.
- Archival Footage: The stage screens will show rare documentaries and behind-the-scenes clips from Tai Chi's early days, including footage of Gary creating in the band room.
- On-Site Memorial: A special area will display Gary's instruments and personal items, allowing fans to pay their respects.
Forty years of brotherhood isn't something you just let go. The remaining six members of Tai Chi have chosen to continue their connection with Gary through music, transforming their loss into the most heartfelt moments on stage. For fans who've been listening since the 80s, this concert is probably more than just a gig. It's a chance to witness a band's friendship that transcends life and death, and to properly say to this quiet musical maestro: Gary, thank you. You will never be forgotten.